Inside Vietti’s 2021 Barolo Crus

Few estates in Piedmont occupy the rarefied position that Vietti holds today. Founded in the late 19th century in Castiglione Falletto, Vietti has long been both a guardian of tradition and a catalyst for progress, helping to define how the world understands Barolo and Barbaresco. Decades before single‑vineyard bottlings became the norm, Vietti was already isolating and elevating individual crus, insisting that Barolo was not a monolith but a mosaic of distinct sites. That conviction—paired with meticulous farming, sensitive winemaking, and an unerring sense of balance—has made Vietti one of the great reference-point producers of Piedmont.

Angelo Gaja: The Man Who Changed Everything in Italian Wine

When you talk about Angelo Gaja, you aren't just talking about wine. You are talking about a revolution. I mean, we take it for granted now that Italian wine stands toe-to-toe with the best of Bordeaux and Burgundy, but back in the 1960s and 70s? That was absolutely not the case. Piedmont was rustic. It was traditional. It was a place of giant, old casks and farming methods that hadn't changed in a century.

Discover the Latest Italian Gems and Benchmarks

Italian wine offers something few wine cultures can: an unmatched combination of history, place, and everyday pleasure. From the sunlit hills of Tuscany to the fog-shrouded vineyards of Barolo, Italy’s greatest wines are rooted in native grapes, centuries of tradition, and a deep connection to food and local life. At the same time, Italy remains one of the world’s best sources of value, producing honest, character-driven wines that deliver far more quality than their price suggests. In this issue, we explore the power and prestige of Tuscany, the depth and longevity of Barolo, and the joy of discovering Italian wines that prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to drink beautifully.

October’s Italian Treasures: Brunello, Barolo, and Beyond

Italy never stops inspiring us. From mountain-grown Nebbiolo to the volcanic slopes of Sicily and the storied hills of Montalcino, each bottle tells a story of land, family, and tradition carried forward with passion. This month’s newsletter brings you everything from the unbeatable value of our new K&L Discovery Series arrivals to the unforgettable personality of Natalino Crognaletti and the reborn legacy of Giovinco. We're also featuring the soulful community of San Polino and a rare lineup of world-class collectibles like Masseto, Valdicava, and Castello di Ama.

New Discoveries, Tent Events, and the Best White Wines for Fall

This month at K&L brings no shortage of excitement—from the debut of the Italian Discovery Series to the return of our Champagne Tent Event in Redwood City and Hollywood. We’re also spotlighting late-summer whites from Alsace, Germany, and Austria, and our Open Cellar lineup updates—your chance to taste incredible bottles by the glass in-store. There’s plenty to discover this month, and we’re thrilled to share it all with you.

Flavio Roddolo – The Hermit of Monforte

There is a lot to say about this small producer. It is the definition of eclectic and out of the ordinary; the wines are usually hard to find, and, in fact, they are regularly kind of smuggled into the U.S. The winery doesn’t have a ordinary distribution network like the rest of the producers that you see on the shelves in the U.S. Rather, Flavio Roddolo avoids trends and stays isolated in his dedication to vine cultivation in his homeland of Monforte D’Alba. He farms, he ferments, he bottles—he does everything himself. The production is tiny, tiny—they are even hard to find if you ever go in the Langhe. No marketing, no consultants, no shortcuts. His approach involves time along with traditional methods—that is it.

Italy Report: Espresso, Barolo, and Your Next Favorite Bottles

You have not really lived until you have tasted Barolo at 9 AM, had six espressos before noon, rushed through Vinitaly meetings as if speed-dating while forging new friendships at every stop. That was my last week. And yes, it was worth it.

The Italian Wines We Can’t Stop Talking About

From iconic names to emerging stars, Italy continues to offer some of the most thrilling wines in the world. This curated collection highlights everything from pedigreed Prosecco and Alpine gems to collectible Barolo and hidden treasures from Abruzzo. Whether you're looking to stock up on everyday favorites or add a few cellar-worthy bottles, these standout selections are not to be missed.

Barale Barolo: Organic, Family-Made Wines with 150 Years of Tradition

Eleonora and Gloria Barale are the fifth generation to hold the reins at Barale Fratelli, a winery whose history in Barolo runs 150+-years deep. The fact that they are not fratelli (brothers) at all, but sorelle (sisters), reflects the new generation in Barolo: women holding leadership roles in what was once a very male-dominated industry, who use modern technology and farming practices but traditional winemaking methods to create flat-out fantastic wines.

Le Piane: Reviving Alto Piemonte’s Forgotten Vineyards

Have you ever tried an Alpine Nebbiolo? Though you may associate Italy’s Piemonte region with Barolo and Barbaresco, it actually covers a large area expanding all the way to the Swiss border. Alto Piemonte is a wine region nestled along that border, in the most remote part of Piedmont. The most famous villages, just to name a few, are Boca, Lessona, Gattinara, Bramaterra, and Ghemme. You also find wine from the Coste delle Sesia Nebbiolo, a local “Langhe Nebbiolo”–style wine. Le Piane, located in Boca, is for me the best place to start discovering the beautiful Alto Piemonte. It is one of the most exciting wineries in this region, and I love the story behind it.

The Francia Vineyard: The Legendary Cru Behind Conterno’s Barolo, Barbera and Monfortino

Few vineyards in the world hold the status of Vigna Francia, a vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba that has become synonymous with Giacomo Conterno’s Barolo and Barbera. Bought by the Conterno family in 1974, it represents one of the most essential and unique terroirs in Barolo, yielding wines of profound structure, beauty, and longevity. I mean, this is the vineyard of Monfortino after all, the most important Italian wine ever made.

A Go-To Resource for Wine Collectors of All Stripes

Whether your cellar takes up an entire room or you've got your first few bottles stashed away as you start your collecting journey, K&L will be there for you every step of the way. Our industry-leading Key Accounts and Auction departments are ready to guide you to all the latest, greatest releases and library stunners, so dive head-first into this comprehensive guide to the joys of wine collecting.

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